Profile of the Day: J.R.R. Tolkien

Do you remember reading The Hobbit as a child? On January 3, 1892, author J.R.R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. After the death of his father, Tolkien’s mother moved the young family back to England. As a young man, Tolkien served in World War I and fought in the Battle of the Somme.

Tolkien brought his passion for linguistics into his writing by incorporating languages of his own creation into his storytelling. He created one of the most extensive and beloved fantasy worlds in his books. Over the years, his works have only gained in popularity, with his most famous novels, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, being adapted into several highly popular and successful films.